Smart Questions to Ask Any Dog Breeder

Bringing a new pet into the house is a happy and special occasion for any family. Here are some smart questions to ask a pet breeder when searching for the perfect puppy. By knowing the right questions to ask you can make sure that there are no surprises with your new pet - only love and acceptance.

1. Is there any history of illness or genetic deformity in the bloodline? Some genetic mutations or deformities do not show up until later in life, so make sure that the breeder you are talking to has records in writing of the health of your puppy and its immediate family. Any breeder who is unwilling or hesitant to give this kind of information should not be trusted. A Pedigree paper should be available either through the AKC or through your breeder.

2. Are the parents on premises? This is a good way to find out how big your puppy will be when it is fully grown. This is especially important to those who live in a smaller home or multi-unit housing. Smaller dogs are preferred, but to make sure that the dog you choose is not too large or too small, seeing the parents should get rid of any doubt you may have about the size your puppy will grow into.

3. What food are the puppies currently on? When you bring a new puppy home it is constantly being exposed to many different and new experiences and places. Some comforting factors should be introduced to help your new puppy adjust to its new family. A new pet food can not only give your puppy an upset tummy, but it can also increase the amount of anxiety your new pet experiences when making the transition from their old home into your new and loving home.

4. Have the puppies and the parents of the puppies ever been exposed to children? A puppy that is intended to go to a family with small children should make sure that their new pet does not have an aversion to kids. A puppy that is not used to having children around can become hyper and end up jumping up and scratching your children or they will be viewed as playthings for your puppy. Anew puppy may jump up into the face of a small child that is being very vocal; the high pitched voices of children remind a puppy of its siblings. Make sure that your new puppy has been exposed to kids to avoid having to train your new puppy to be friendly to small children.

5. Are the puppies currently up to date on all of their shots and worming treatment? If you are thinking of buying a puppy without up to date shots, or if the shot record is "missing" then you are taking a real risk - you never know what you could be getting yourself into. A friend of mine just bought an AKC Doberman puppy and did little research on the parents to find out the puppy has a genetic skin condition that will be a problem for its entire life, which means money spent on antibiotics every month.